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After one of the worst seasons in franchise history, the Los Angeles Lakers are ready for a bounce-back season with the help of Kobe Bryant, who will return from a knee injury and ruptured Achilles tendon that limited him to a handful of games. Despite their record last season, the Lakers will play in their 16th consecutive Christmas Day game as they’ll face the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol. The game with the most storylines will be March 31, when Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson come to Staples Center with the New York Knicks.

Oct. 28, 7:30PM: Houston @ Lakers on TNT

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Home opener and Bryant’s return from injury. Fans will go nuts booing Dwight Howard, who played one season with the Lakers. LA native James Harden of Artesia High School always comes to play against the team he watched growing up.

Oct. 31, 7:30PM: Clippers @ Lakers on ESPN

(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

The new era of the Clippers begins in 2014 with owner Steve Ballmer. Lakers all know that the Clippers are done being named the little brothers in town. Chris Paul and company are ready to raise some banners of their own.

Dec. 25, 5PM: Lakers @ Chicago on TNT

Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers are lucky to be playing on Christmas Day, especially one of the worst seasons in franchise history. The matchup will be the first time Pau Gasol will face his former team since signing with the Bulls. Just hope Derrick Rose is healthy to play. The last time Rose faced the Lakers was on Christmas in 2011.

Jan. 15, 7:30PM: Cavaliers @ Lakers on TNT

Two of the worst teams of their conferences face each other Jan. 15. TNT is going to have fun with this one in promoting “Kobe vs. LeBron.” Bryant lives for these types of games. He will likely want to guard LeBron James to prove he is still one of the NBA’s best defenders. Above are duo highlights of James and Bryant in 2009. Kevin Love will also play where he played in college with UCLA.

March 21, 7:30PM: Knicks @ Lakers

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images )

This game has the most storylines of any other game for the Purple and Gold. President Phil Jackson and Head Coach Derek Fisher will play against their former team, where they won five championships, together for the first time. Don’t know how Lakers fans will react once Lawrence Tanter announces the Knicks roster.